My husband, Rickey Gooch, is the strongest and hardest working man I know. It is an honor and a blessing to be his wife.

A few weeks ago, Rickey discovered a knot in his neck. After consultation with his doctor Rickey was prescribed two rounds of antibiotics. After the knot did not go away, additional testing was ordered.

After a neck scan, two biopsies, a CT scan and a PET scan, Rickey was diagnosed with squamous carcinoma, a type of cancer. Thank the Lord, the cancer is confined to Rickey’s left tonsil area and has not spread anywhere else within his body. As a result of this diagnosis, Rickey will begin a series of treatments in the coming days. The doctors feel very confident that the treatments will be successful and this will soon be behind us.

During the weeks Rickey and I have been dealing with this, the Lord has shown us such mercy and grace. He has reminded us of His sovereignty and even when we were at our lowest, we could feel His loving arms wrapping around us and covering us with peace that surpasses all understanding. Truthfully, we would not have made it this far without the Lord. Even though we are devastated, we realize the Lord is strengthening us more every day as we move forward.

Because of this situation Rickey and I stayed home for a few days to attend doctors appointments. We are so proud of our group, though, as they continued to travel to honor our commitments. Rickey and I want to offer our sincere appreciation to Katy Peach for filling in for me and doing an amazing job. Also, we give special thanks to Susan, Jeff, Matthew, Kari, Tripp King, and Danny Jones for stepping up and doing what needed to be done. Audiences were blessed and we were thrilled to learn that some even accepted Jesus as their Savior. Praise the Lord!

Rickey and I will be back on the road this weekend. We want to thank everyone for the love you have shown our family. We love y’all dearly. Please continue to pray for Rickey. We know that God will make this trial a blessing.

Praying 2015 will be the best year ever for all of us!! Let’s all continue to look forward and not look behind. This year is a new beginning for a lot of people. I know in my personal walk with the Lord, more than ever I want to draw closer to Him. We (KPNR) have so many things to accomplish this year that I want God to show His Glory in everything we do! Please continue to pray for us this week as we start recording vocals for a new album. The songs are filled with hope and praise! Also my daughter, Kari, will be recording her first ever song as a bonus track on the new album. I’m a proud Mom!

Today and tomorrow we are in the studio recording tracks for our new album. We covet your prayers during this process. Beginning Friday morning, we are officially on Christmas break! We were in Branson last Sunday, which was our last concert until New Year’s Eve, and we made a video for you all!! Have a blessed week and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

On Monday of last week, Susan, Jeff, and I spent the day in Nashville at Daywind Music listening to songs for a new album. Honestly, we have a list of great songs…too many songs!! The tracking session will start in two weeks. We are praying hard for the Lord to lead us to the right 10 songs. And for the first time, my daughter Kari will sing a song as an extra bonus track!! Y’all I’m so proud of her. This is such a big step of faith for her. A lot of great things are happening for Kari. I am such a proud Mom!!

After we got home from Nashville, we had several days at home to enjoy with our families. As a tradition for years, my friend, Ronda Rich, and I spend the Wednesday before Thanksgiving cooking while talking on the phone. I’ll bake my cakes while she bakes her famous mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. Since we hadn’t seen each other in a while, we had a lot of catching up to do. It was so much fun! The next day my family went to Rickey’s Mom’s house to eat Thanksgiving lunch at noon. We loved having some other family members join us for the first time. After lunch we headed to my Mom’s for Thanksgiving dinner. I love sitting around Mama’s table reminiscing about our childhood days! And we always talk about the same ole things every time…..and we always laugh as if it was the first time that we were telling it! Lol

On Black Friday, Kari and I went to Atlanta shopping. Yes, it was an utter chaos but we had a blast. The problem was almost everything we bought was for us!! Lol Later that day, Rickey and Matthew met us for dinner and then more shopping. Rickey and I were talking later on of how blessed we were that our kids still want to hang out with us.

Saturday, Rickey finally agreed to fix the broken rods and to help me clean out my closet. It has broken out of the wall and fallen onto the floor twice!! Y’all I had never heard so much complaining!! Every time he brought out a load, he had a “sarcastic” comment. It started getting comical!! Hahaha He had his own ‘system’ of how he thought I should go through all of the clothes. I never listened to a word he said. I had my own ‘system’ by trying on EVERY piece of clothing…..forgot that I had them. I drove Rickey crazy!! He kept telling me to stay focused. He almost quit twice but thank goodness he kept persevering!! Deep down I knew he was right so I tried very hard not to push my luck. I even got mad a few times but I bridled my tongue, which doesn’t happen often!! Lol At 11:30 pm we finished hanging up all of the clothes. After three days, most of the bags are emptied out, shoes, scarves, and other items have either been stored or given away. Yay

Sunday we went to our home churches then performed at New Haven in Gainesville, Ga., just five minutes away from where Susan and I were born and raised. This is an annual Sunday after Thanksgiving concert. We were thrilled to see family members and people we had grown up with. Great memories.

Well…..”Everybody’s Going Through Something” went to number 2. We are so thankful but we need your help. Will you and all of your friends call your local radio stations and request it?? Every time someone calls, it gives us points. Even though a lot of the stations are playing Christmas music, this song fits the season so well. Thank you!! As always we love and appreciate our DJ friends for playing our music!!!

We are kicking off the season by singing Christmas songs from our KPNR Christmas album entitled, “Georgia Mountain Christmas“. Be sure to check our schedule and join us!! We would love to see you!! Also check out our online store. You can do all of your Christmas shopping with us!! We have a lot of specials going on!! REVIVAL cd, REDEEMED (Movie I was in), HYMNS DVD (Gerald Wolfe hosted it along with several performances from Southern Gospel artists including KPNR), GEORGIA MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS, and REVIVAL LIVE (KPNR DVD which may not be ready until after Christmas). These are only a few things…there are lots of things to check out.

Also the SINGING AT SEA cruise is in February. We will leave out of Tampa, Fl. heading to Cozumel and Grande Caymen Islands. Sign up with KPNR as your host. This would be a great gift for yourself or someone you love!! Lol

A lot of great things are happening for Abraham Productions next year!! Check out the e-blast….very exciting news!!!

I titled the Subject: Thankful. I am extremely thankful to the Lord for my family and for all of you!!

Love and prayers, Karen

Abraham Productions announces a new major event in Ohio for 2015. The event, “Harvest Homecoming,” is a joint venture between Abraham Productions and Ohio Christian University to be held October 8-10, 2015 at The Maxwell Center located on the OCU campus in Circleville, OH. Harvest Homecoming will feature some of the biggest names in Southern Gospel Music, speakers, showcases and comedy.

Abraham Productions’ President Ray Flynn said, “Abraham Productions has been looking to add a new event for some time. Ohio Christian University has already been doing a homecoming concert at their college, and by joining forces collaboratively, API and OCU can present a major first-class national Southern Gospel Event in the Fall that meets the needs of the Gospel Music Fans.”

Tony McCrary, the OCU Director of Events, stated, “We are excited to welcome Abraham Productions to Ohio Christian University. This partnership ensures the continuation of a rich history of Southern Gospel Concerts here on our campus. However, this will bring an even greater concert experience to gospel music fans of Ohio and the Midwest. Welcome, Abraham Productions.”

The new Harvest Homecoming event will be held at The Maxwell Center on the campus of Ohio Christian University in Circleville, OH, just a few miles from Columbus. It will feature a large host of talent to include The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, Karen Peck & New River, Brian Free & Assurance, Jason Crabb, The Talleys, Ivan Parker, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Mark Trammell Quartet, The Whisnants, The Pfeifers, The Stevens Family and The McCrary Family. As with all Abraham Productions’ events, there will also be several major speakers to include Dennis Swanberg, Michael Booth of The Booth Brothers, and Dr. Jon Bowman. The Thursday evening event will honor long-time promoter Gil Conley. Tickets are scheduled to go on-sale to the public on February 26 at 10 am eastern time.

In addition to the incredible new event and talent, full hookup camping sites are available on the OCU campus and an incredible food court with excellent meals and snacks at reasonable prices, plus everything will focus on being senior citizen friendly with free parking, everything within a short walking distance and discounts for multi-day tickets.

For more information on tickets to the new Harvest Homecoming in Ohio, hotel information, camping sites, and discounts, contact Abraham Productions at 888-238-6858 or online at abrahamproductions.net.

]]>http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/thankful/feed/0Everybody’s Going Through Somethinghttp://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/everybodys-going-through-something/ http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/everybodys-going-through-something/#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 04:40:02 +0000http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/?p=3800I hummed the tune for several weeks. It seemed like so many of our friends and family members were going through such hard times. Even all of us on the KPNR bus were facing things that were very difficult. I can remember thinking one day, ‘It seems like now more than ever everybody’s going through something. However, as long as we are living on this earth, it is inevitable that we are going to face problems and circumstances beyond our control. So if we are going through it, it is comforting to know that we have the Lord to go through it with us. We are not alone.’ With that thought in mind, I shared it and the tune with my awesome writer friends, Kenna Turner West and Don Poythress. I can remember Don sitting in a chair with his guitar singing the first line, “There’s a woman living next to me just trying to make ends meet. She’s just one check away from losing it all……” Kenna started adding ideas and together they said exactly what I wanted to say in this song. This song speaks the truth. It is honest. We opened our hearts to tell it like it is BUT we gave the solution, Jesus. Life is not always easy but we are never alone. And that is just ONE of the amazing things about the Lord and being a Christian. “So if everybody’s going through something, I’d rather go through something with HIM.”

Thanks DJ’s for playing the song and thanks to all of you who are calling your local radio station and requesting it!! It really makes a difference. We will know on the 15th where it is on the Southern Gospel Charts. It is currently number 5 and hopefully moving up.

This week, November 10, Kari turned 18!! I cannot believe how time has flown by. Eighteen years ago, Susan and I discovered on the same day that we were expecting. What a journey!! We have so many memories from those months of hormones. LOL Most of you know that Susan almost miscarried while on the road but the Lord healed her body and she delivered a beautiful baby boy! Joseph was born on October 29 and twelve days later, Kari was born. Along with my son Matthew, they are the absolute joys of our lives and we are proud Moms! Of course they were wild typical kids, but they traveled very well on the bus. (And they still do.) I love it when they talk about playing hide and seek on the bus. Hilarious.

Once again I want to remind y’all about the Templeton Singing At Sea cruiseFebruary 16-21. This would be a great Christmas gift for your Pastor and his family. Sunday School classes are getting together and going as a group. Also, with two adults in the room, kids under 16 are free. We would love to be your host so be sure to sign up with KPNR! www.templetontours.com

Abraham Productions have several events happening next year. Check out their website and make plans to join us. www.abrahamproductions.net

We are looking forward to this weekend in Dalton, GA at the Voices Won Homecoming. Then we will head to Ft. Worth, TX with IMC Promotions on Saturday night. We are excited about seeing the Cathedral Tribute with Ernie Haas, Gerald Wolfe, Mark Trammel, Scott Fowler, etc…!!! We will end the weekend on Sunday in Halls, TN. It will be an incredible weekend and we would love to see y’all!

Last night we won FIVE Diamond Awards from the SgnScoops Magazine!!

-Album of the Year (REVIVAL),

-Female Vocalist (Karen),

-Trio,

-Mixed Group,

-Song of the Year (Revival).

I know I have said it several times over the past few months but this album will always be one of our favorites. We had so many special “God” moments while recording the album and we are very thankful that our audience can feel our emotions through the songs. The radio DJ’s immediately embraced every single and together we made KPNR history with the two highest debuting songs ever (Finish Well, Revival) and also the fastest rise to the number one positions on the Southern Gospel charts. (We got home this morning at 3:30am and today, as well as last night at the awards show, I am battling vertigo!! So trust me….the Lord is making sure that I don’t get the big head!! Lol ) Here are quotes from Susan, Jeff, and me along with a few pictures from last night:

Susan: We were so honored to win 5 Diamond Awards last night. I would like to thank everyone for your prayers and support!!!

Jeff: Last night was such a blessing to be at the Diamond Awards. We thank The Lord for newness this year—things that are fresh and new. Thanks to everyone who voted, and may God reveal new things for all of us to be thankful for this year!!!

Karen: We are so thankful to The Lord for this season in our ministry. We started the year off declaring REVIVAL all around this country. The Lord continues to show us His faithfulness. If one person is touched by something we say or sing, then it’s worth every mile that we travel. These awards are special ‘nuggets’ of encouragement to keep doing what we’re doing. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us!! A special thanks to Rob Patz and SGN Scoops, Daywind Records, producer Wayne Haun, all of the songwriters (Kenna West and Don Poythress co-writers of Revival), Southern Gospel radio, AGPublicity, and The Harper Agency. It is a tremendous blessing to be a part of a great team of hard working people who are eager to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

“Everybody’s Going Through Something” has been such a blessing to our ministry. Once again, our precious DJ’s are playing it several times a day as an encouragement to those who are facing hard times. Seems like more than ever that people are going through difficult times. Thank the Lord we are not alone. He is always with us and He is faithful to carry us through every situation. “Everybody’s going through something. Everybody faces a storm now and then. So if everybody’s going through something, I’d rather go through something with HIM.”

This week I heard someone talking about ‘faithfulness’. It has stayed with me all week. Faithfulness is doing the same thing over and over to the best of our ability. My prayer is to stay faithful to the Lord!!

Susan’s son, Joseph, turned 18 October 29!! He also made the basketball team so it was a very good day for Joseph. Susan cried! He’s growing up too fast!! Lol

Jeff is working hard getting his Master’s Degree in English. So far he has made all A’s!! We are so proud of him. He is hoping to teach on-line courses while traveling with us.

Ok, there is still time to sign up with KPNR for the Templeton Tours cruise to Cozumel and Grand Cayman Islands in February!!! Remember if two adults are in the room, kids under 16 are FREE! So don’t wait any longer. We would love for you to spend your vacation with us!

There are a lot of great concerts coming up. Be sure to check our schedule and join us. We would love to see y’all!! (This weekend we’ll be in Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky. )

Last night at the Dove Awards ‘Revival’ won the SOUTHERN GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR!! We are so incredibly thankful. We have been praying for revival for this nation and all around the world. Our only hope is Jesus. All of us have been praying…”Lord, let revival begin with me!”

Below are some photos at the Doves. We are sooo excited!!!

Love y’all! -Karen

*Just click on the photo to see a larger version. You can see more in our ‘Gallery': http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/gallery/nggallery/karen-peck-and-new-river/dove-awards-2014

]]>http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/we-won-dove-awards-2014/feed/4New River News -Dollywoodhttp://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/new-river-news-dollywood/ http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/new-river-news-dollywood/#commentsMon, 06 Oct 2014 15:30:47 +0000http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/?p=3476We had a great weekend of wonderful services. Friday night, Bill and Gloria Gaither hosted their hometown Fall Festival, and all of us sang the Glory down! We left Alexandria, Indiana and dead headed straight to Warrior, Alabama for their annual Women’s Conference at 10am! This was one of the best conferences ever. Last night we had an awesome time in Colquitt, Georgia. And…we finally made it to Dollywood. I still get butterflies performing at DW. We are there today and Wednesday. Tuesday night we will be in Nashville, TN performing our nominated song, ‘Revival,’ at the Dove Awards. And through all of this, our bus is having problems!! Rickey has lined up a mechanic to work on it on Tuesday. Thanks for praying BOLD prayers for us!!

Love y’all, Karen

**Below is a special email from Abraham Productions. Check it out and make plans to join us for these events.

]]>http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/new-river-news-dollywood/feed/1‘Hey Friends!’ -From Karenhttp://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/hey-friends-from-karen/ http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/news/hey-friends-from-karen/#commentsThu, 02 Oct 2014 02:06:38 +0000http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com/?p=3461We hope things are going well with you. It has been a very busy time for KPNR. This weekend we will be at the Gaither Octoberfest on Friday night in Alexandria, Indiana. On Saturday, we will be at the North Highland Baptist Church annual ladies’ conference in Warrior, AL starting at 10am. I will be speaking and New River will sing a few songs. Sunday we will be in GA, then heading to Dollywood for Monday and Wednesday shows. On Tuesday, we will have the privilege of performing ‘Revival’ on the Dove Awards. Please remember us in your prayers!

Thanks for calling your radio stations and requesting “Everybody’s Going Through Something”. It is currently number 5 on the charts. We are praying for it to move up to number 1. This will make the third number 1 song on our Revival album. We love our DJ friends!!

Below is a special email from Abraham Productions. Check it out and make plans to join us for these special events.

Love y’all Karen

Below is a special email from Abraham Productions. Check it out and make plans to join us for these special events.